Top 10 Trails: Marion KOA Holiday Your Adventure Basecamp

Southern Illinois is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the Midwest. From rugged bluffs to serene lakes and dense forests, this region offers trails for hikers of all skill levels. And there's no better place to start your hiking adventure than from the Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday, a perfect basecamp that combines the comfort of modern amenities with the allure of the great outdoors. Here's a look at the top 10 hiking trails in Southern Illinois, all easily accessible from our comfortable campground.

• Trail Highlight: Observation Trail
• Distance: 0.25 miles loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Overview: The Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods offers breathtaking views of unique rock formations and panoramic vistas of the Shawnee National Forest. This short, accessible trail is perfect for families and offers some of the most photographed scenes in Southern Illinois.

• Distance: 1.7 miles loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overview: Rim Rock Trail leads you through a mature oak-hickory forest, past remnants of a 19th-century stone wall, and around the rim of a rock escarpment, which encloses a lush bottomland and pond. It's a journey through both natural beauty and history.

• Distance: 3 miles loop
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Overview: Offering a unique hiking experience, the Little Grand Canyon trail features a descent into a canyon, creek crossings, and stunning views of the Big Muddy River and the Mississippi floodplain. This trail showcases the diverse landscapes of Southern Illinois.

• Distance: 0.3 miles loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Overview: This short hike takes you to a natural sandstone bridge that spans 90 feet. The Pomona Natural Bridge is an easy, yet rewarding, hike suitable for all ages, providing a quick adventure into nature's architectural wonders.

• Trail Highlight: Bork's Waterfall Trail
• Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy
• Overview: Located in Ferne Clyffe State Park, this trail offers an easy walk to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Illinois, especially after a rain. The park itself has several other trails, ranging from easy walks to rugged wilderness treks.

• Trail Highlight: Giant City Nature Trail
• Distance: 1 mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overview: Known for its massive sandstone structures and ancient bluffs, Giant City State Park offers several trails, but the Nature Trail stands out for its impressive stone formations and a variety of ecosystems.

• Distance: Up to 45 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Overview: Stretching for 45 miles along the former Cairo and Vincennes Railroad bed, Tunnel Hill State Trail offers a gentle grade ideal for biking and hiking, passing through several tunnels and over bridges, with diverse wildlife and scenery along the way.

• Trail Highlight: Heron Pond Trail
• Distance: 2.5 miles loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Overview: Experience the northernmost cypress/tupelo swamp in America on the Heron Pond Trail, which features a floating boardwalk through ancient trees, offering a serene and mystical hiking experience.

• Distance: Varies
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overview: While not a single trail, Burden Falls Wilderness offers several informal trails leading to and around the falls, providing a rugged and wet adventure, especially after heavy rains when the waterfalls are most impressive.

• Trail Highlight: Rocky Bluff Trail
• Distance: 5 miles loop
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Overview: Named after the tragic history of the Cherokee's forced relocation, this forest offers challenging hikes with steep inclines but rewards hikers with stunning views of the Mississippi Valley.

After a day spent exploring the trails, return to the comfort and convenience of Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday. Whether you prefer to camp in a tent under the stars, park your RV in a fully-equipped site, or enjoy the comforts of a cabin, this KOA Holiday serves as the perfect basecamp.